What If We Get It Right? Book Club Will Focus on Climate Solutions

That's the title of the book we'll be reading together, in the next gathering of the Green Coalition’s book club. This vibrant collection of essays, interviews, data, poetry and art will guide us through climate, community and environmental solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. Edited by Anaya Elizabeth Johnson, this is the follow up book to her well-regarded All We Can Save anthology. 

The series of eight bi-monthly gatherings will begin on September 16th from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Help of Ojai building at 108 S. Montgomery Street. The discussions will be facilitated by Sophie McLean, Green Coalition board member as well as Native Plant Specialist with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. 

When dealing with complex environmental problems, it is hard to stitch together solutions within our own lives without feeling lost in the labyrinth. As a community, we gather to confront these challenges, and imagine a better future together. These moments pave a nuanced and kind path forward through finding interdisciplinary, intergenerational, communal conversation over an evening.

-Sophie McLean  

This series builds on a book club focused on All We Can Save that took place a year ago, after an OVGC Board Member, Betsy Vanleit, went to see Ayana Elizabeth Johnson speak at UCSB as a part of their lecture series. 

The initial group of 16 was a diverse one - from one very active 86 year old, to young 20 somethings and everyone in between.  In small groups, inspired by the essays, stories and poems, participants would start to open and connect.  We learned the value of listening, and being honest about our thoughts, opinions and vulnerabilities. The rich writings from the anthologies taught us so much - and we also learned about and from each other.

Betsy passed away before the final book club meeting at the end of January 2025.  She was so incredibly inspired by All We Can Save that despite knowing about her cancer (and feeling its painful effects), she continued to  passionately share this powerful work. 

The book club from last year inspired friendships and local action that continue to this day.   For example, members of the book club started a cooking group for the residents of Ojai Tent Town and we get together to provide meals 1-2 times a month.  The beautiful and meaningful connections we made and the thoughtful and impactful actions we continue to take are making a difference with each other and within our community.

We warmly invite you to be a part of the next book club as we dive into the 2nd anthology, What If We Get it Right?  You can order your copy here. Space is limited, so be sure and register early. Registration and more information is here.

Come and make new friends and connections.  Be inspired to be a part of something bigger than yourself, find that you are not alone and become part of a network of humans who find meaning and purpose by coming together in our community.

Here’s what Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard had to say about What If We Get It Right? 

Not many books on climate are hopeful. The solutions offered are rarely within anyone’s abilities. These 20 interviews with fascinating experts are a surprisingly quick read. Critically, What If We Get It Right? reminds us of the most important solution of all: protecting and restoring nature, the magic of photosynthesis and water cycle. If you need a kick in the pants to roll up your sleeves on climate solutions, this book is for you.

– Yvon Chouinard